How We Got Here...
In the beginning Gaines Church was a part of the Gaines Circuit. Preaching was held every two weeks at each church on the circuit. The roads were poor and there was much travel by horseback. Caledonia Village had not yet been started and Alaska was just becoming a thriving town.In 1867, the first church structure was erected at the site of the present building. The land came from the Session's farm, now owned by Simeon Maier. The land cost $31.50. The sanctuary cost $2,760.00 and was dedicated during the pastorate of Rev. G. S. Lake.
By 1899, a new building was needed. The first church was torn down and bought by Valentine Geib, who lived on the farm just northwest of the church. The new sanctuary was dedicated on November 19, 1899 by Bishop Horace T. Barnaby. In 1951 this church was renovated. On October 6, 1957 ground was broken for a new Christian Education unit that was added to the east side of the sanctuary. On November 26, 1972, ground was broken for a new sanctuary, narthex, pastor's office and bathroom facilities. It was dedicated on August 26, 1973 with Bishop Duane A. Rheam as the guest speaker. Mr. Robert Weaver designed the addition and it was built by Martin and Associates of Caledonia, Michigan. Part of the property the church built on was donated by the Reuss family. Ground was again broken on September 17, 1978, and on September 25 & 26 the building built in 1899 was torn down to make room for the new Christian Education facility. This building was dedicated on May 6, 1979, with Bishop C. Ray Miller coming to the service.
On August 15, 1979, plans were formulated for the merger of the Caledonia United Brethren Church and the Gaines United Brethren Church. On August 29, 1979, the merger of the two local conferences was held. The merging Sunday was October 7, 1979.
Gaines Church has seen its share of change throughout the years. One thing has remained constant—the preaching of the Word of God and the faithfulness of God to His people.